Provides emergency assistance with home utility costs, clothing, housing, rent, food and medical expenses to income eligible individuals and families. Operates a job training program and a computer training center. Their mission is to reduce the causes and conditions of poverty in three counties. Their goal is to provide a nurturing environment in which low income families can seek assistance that helps them to become less dependent upon government assistance. 

Makes recommendations to County Council on appropriation of Accommodations Tax Funds in accordance with state law.  Members must be appointed from several different categories of interest.

Hears and rules on appeals dealing with the assessment of property for property taxation in accordance with state law.

Hears appeals regarding the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance, hears and acts upon variance applications, and hears and decides special exceptions as required by the Zoning Ordinance.

Oversees the policies and management of a three county regional planning and coordinating agency in the areas of water quality, transportation, economic and community development, public administration, human services, and federal grant notification and review processes. 

Promotes transportation opportunities, provides transportation services, and encourages cooperation and coordination among existing transportation providers. 

Columbia Area Regional Transportation Study (COATS) Technical Committee

Oversees the policies and management of LRADAC, the agency designated by Council to provide for substance abuse education, treatment and prevention for county citizens.  

Oversees policies and management of the county library system.

Directs and manages the activities and mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. Oversees the development and operation of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center under a long-term management agreement for the benefit of the Governmental Entities: City of Columbia, Lexington County and Richland County. Directs and manages the activities and mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council.  Directs and manages the operation of the Columbia Regional Visitors Center.

Carries out workforce development planning and development activities in accordance with the US Workforce Investment Act of 1998.  Pools the resources of 14 diverse partner agencies and delivers optimal quality customer focused service. Partner agencies include local area school districts, county social service providers, the state vocational rehabilitative agency, the state Employment Security Commission, local community action council, private non-profits. Services provided to both youth (ages 14 to 21) and adults (ages 21 and over) include job readiness and motivation, job search assistance, job placement and job retention services. 

Oversees the policies and management of the county museum for the preservation and collection of historical items related to the county and its people.

Promotes and coordinates comprehensive planning by making recommendations to the Lexington County Council on issues such as growth-management, transportation, environmental protection, cultural and natural resources, economic development, housing and land use.

The River Alliance's mission is to connect people to the rivers, making them accessible and yet protected, and bring the rivers back into the daily lives of area residents and visitors.